Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Air Conditioning Compressor Malfunction




Air Conditioning Compressor Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information





Circuit/System Description

When the A/C switch is pressed, the HVAC control module sends an A/C request message to the engine control module (ECM) via CAN-Bus. Therefore the ECM grounds the A/C compressor clutch relay control circuit, which will switch the A/C compressor clutch relay. With the relay contacts closed, battery voltage is supplied to the A/C compressor clutch. The A/C compressor clutch will be activated.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions must be met in order for the ECM to turn on the A/C compressor clutch:

* Battery voltage is between 9-18 V.
* Engine coolant temperature is less than 124°C (255°F).
* Engine speed is greater than 600 RPM.
* Engine speed is less than 5 500 RPM.
* A/C high side pressure is between 269-2 929 kPa (39-425 PSI).
* Throttle position is less than 100 percent.
* Evaporator temperature is greater than 3°C (38°F).
* ECM does not detect immoderate torque load.
* ECM does not detect insufficient idle quality.
* The ambient temperature is above 1°C (34°F).

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

HVAC Schematics (HVAC - Manual)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector End Views By Name)
Description and Operation

Manual HVAC Description and Operation (HVAC - Manual)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

Note: Before executing Circuit/System Testing, all conditions shown in Diagnostic Aids must be met.

1. Ignition ON, activate and deactivate the A/C switch. Verify the scan tool A/C Switch parameter changes between Active and Inactive.

If not the specified value, replace the A26 HVAC Control.

2. Activate and deactivate the A/C switch. Verify the engine control module (ECM) scan tool A/C Request Signal parameter changes between Active and Inactive.

If not the specified value, replace the K33 HVAC Control Module.

3. Ignition OFF, remove the KR29 A/C Compressor Clutch Relay.
4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and ground.

If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.

5. Verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 87 and ground.

If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.

6. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the Q2 A/C Compressor Clutch.
7. Test for less than 5 ohm between the Q2 A/C Compressor Clutch ground circuit terminal A and ground.

If greater than the specified value, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

8. Connect the harness connector at the Q2 A/C Compressor Clutch.
9. Ignition ON, connect a 10 A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and the control circuit terminal 87. Verify the Q2 A/C Compressor Clutch is activated.

If the Q2 A/C Compressor Clutch does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the Q2 A/C Compressor Clutch.

10. Connect a test lamp between the ignition circuit terminal 85 and the control circuit terminal 86.
11. Command the engine control module (ECM) A/C Relay output function ON and OFF with the scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

If the test lamp always illuminates or always does not illuminate, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

12. If all circuits test normal, replace the KR29 A/C Compressor Clutch Relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement (1.4L LUJ) (Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement)Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement (1.8L LUW) (Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement)
* Heater and Air Conditioning Control Replacement (HVAC - Automatic)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup, and programming